"Post Doc Res Assoc"

Job Summary

POSTDOCTORAL POSITION IN ECMO AND CRITICAL CARE RESEARCH

The Tonna Research Laboratory, under the leadership of Joseph E. Tonna, MD, MS, within the Department of Surgery, is seeking a forward-thinking Postdoctoral Fellow to work closely with Dr. Tonna, Associate Professor and Department of Surgery, Vice Chair for Research. This position focuses on advancing clinical and translational research in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), and advanced cardiopulmonary rescue therapies, while offering the fellow the opportunity to develop their own independent research and grant-writing skills.

Our group leads and contributes to multi-institutional, registry-based, and clinical trial research investigating the optimal use, timing, and management of ECMO/ECLS in critical illness, including cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and severe respiratory failure. The successful candidate will play an integral role in ongoing NIH- and CTSA-supported projects, manuscript preparation, and grant proposal development, with direct mentorship and collaboration opportunities across multiple surgical and critical care disciplines.

Minimum Qualifications

PhD (or equivalent) in Biomedical Sciences, Epidemiology, Public Health, Biostatistics, Nursing, Bioengineering, or a related field.

1. Demonstrated research experience relevant to critical care, cardiogenic shock, or ECMO/ECLS.
2. Proven ability in scientific writing and publication; experience drafting or contributing to grant proposals strongly preferred.
3. Strong quantitative and analytical skills, including experience with statistical programming (R, Stata, or Python).
4. Excellent communication, organizational, and project management abilities.
5. Demonstrated capacity for independent problem solving and initiative in complex research environments.

Please include contact information for 2-3 references.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the design, implementation, and analysis of clinical and translational studies related to ECMO, ECPR, and critical care.
• Write and support grant proposals, including federal (NIH, DoD), foundation, and institutional applications.
• Lead and co-author manuscripts, abstracts, and presentations for submission to peer-reviewed journals and scientific meetings.
• Perform statistical analysis using multivariable and longitudinal methods; assist in data interpretation and visualization.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary research team spanning surgery, emergency medicine, cardiology, bioengineering, and biomedical informatics.
• Mentor and guide junior trainees and medical students in research projects and academic writing.
• Contribute to research infrastructure development, such as data dictionaries, case report forms, and standard operating procedures for ongoing studies.

Minimum Qualifications

Postdoc

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with clinical trial design (protocol development, randomization, data coordination).
• Familiarity with large observational or registry datasets and REDCap database management.
• Experience conducting chart reviews and developing standardized data collection tools.
• Background in machine learning, causal inference, or mediation analysis applied to critical care outcomes.
• Knowledge of ECMO physiology, device characteristics, and related outcomes research.
• Demonstrated success in preparing or submitting competitive grant applications (NIH, AHA, foundations, etc.).

Special Instructions

Requisition Number: PRN43315B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary:
Department: 00263 - Surgery Research
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 50,000 - 70,000
Close Date: 1/14/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/190358